A recent report by global alliance of civil society organisations and activists, CIVICUS has painted a disturbing picture on the state of civil rights on the African continent. The People Power Under Attack report, rates the civic space in 198 countries and territories around the world, with Madagascar and Sudan both being downgraded due to the clampdown on protesters and the ongoing war, respectively. In contrast, Senegal has been upgraded due to some improvements in civic space since a new government took office in 2024. For a look at what the findings mean for the people of Africa, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Paul Mulindwa, he is an Advocacy and Campaigns Officer for CIVICUS, focusing on Africa